Just finished ai-conversion on Nikkor-Q 135mm 2.8

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Well, I just picked up a used 135mm 2.8 Nikkor-Q non-ai lens. Lately I've been interested in the older Nikon lenses, and I came across this lenses at a great price. I knew it's have to be converted to ai since I'm using a D300. So being a mechanic I figured I'd attempt the lens conversion myself. I didn't think to take pics until I had the lens apart already. So if wanted I can take pics to show what was done if anyone needs.

It was surprisingly simple: Take the 5 screws out of the rear mount plate, make sure the lens is on it's closest focus point (1.5M), pull out the rear plate assembly. Next take out the single screw on the Aperture ring, and pull it off. Then notch out the ai-groove required, I took off the metering couple prong off to do it and just used a normal file. Then reassembled the lens, careful when reinstalling the aperture ring screw, as you'll have to find the recess where it goes to guide the aperture adjustment.

Here's s few pics of the conversion:
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Here's a quick test shot I took with it on the D300 at 2.8:
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That seems sharp.
 
It does appear that it's going to be. I can't wait to get out and really test it, though it may have to wait a few days.
I picked up an old 100mm 2.8 Series E earlier this month and it's amazed me how sharp it is... It's one of my favorite lenses now and the cheapest I got.
 
How much did you get the 135 for?
 
B&H had it for $80. After researching the ai-conversion, I lucked out and could use my 100mm as a guide for where the filing had to stop since it's also a 2.8 manual aperture. Otherwise I would have had to send the lens off for someone to do it, which still would have only been $25 + shipping both ways for that.
 
Well, I was able to test out the 135mm lens sooner than I thought. Had some free time around dusk when a dust storm rolled through. So I got to a vantage point to get it and took a couple of other pics at the spot as well.
Also, after uploading the pics, I realized I need to start shooting in sRGB again, because the Adobe RGBs are probably washing out online. Anyways, here they are:
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Very nice and sharp looking photo's. I almost want to do that; sadly, i would have to have it done for me. haha
 

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